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(From HealthNewsDigest.com) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is taking steps to improve contact lens safety by reminding consumers of the importance of following proper cleaning and storing procedures. Consumers who do not follow instructions for proper contact lens care and use increase their risk of serious eye infections that can lead to impaired vision and, in some cases, blindness.

To support proper cleaning and storage, the FDA has developed a new video on contact lens safety, which can be found on the FDA’s Web site (www.fda.gov), along with an in-depth Consumer Update article. The video and the article stress the importance of emptying the solution out of the contact lens case after each use and using the rub-and-rinse method for added effectiveness. Other important lens care tips include: don’t top off or reuse lens cleaning solution; use a contact lens solution to clean, rinse, and then air dry contact lens cases after each use; don’t expose contact lenses or lens storage cases to any type of water or other non-sterile solutions.

For further information or to book an appointment please call any of our three Rochester, NY Cornerstone Eye Associates locations in Gates (585-328-0153), Brighton (585-244-2200) or Irondeqouit (585-266-7880).

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Essilor of America, one of the leading manufacturers of optical lenses, has announced the launch of Essilor Visual Fatigue Solutions lenses which address the symptoms of Visual Fatigue Syndrome (VFS). VFS is caused by focusing on objects one to three feet away for extended periods of time. Prolonged computer screen viewing, extended reading, and even a large amount of cell phone usage can lead to VFS. Typical symptoms of VFS include tired eyes, blurred vision, neck pain, and headaches. The line currently has two products: Essilor Anti-Fatigue lenses and Essilor Computer lenses.

Essilor Anti-Fatigue lenses are intended as a primary pair replacement for patients’ single-vision lenses. The lenses are recommended for 18-40 year-old myopes who experience symptoms of tired eyes, and emerging 35-45 year-old presbyopes who are starting to experience reading difficulty but are not yet ready for progressive bifocal lenses. Essilor Anti-Fatigue lenses feature a special “Power Boost” area in the lower portion of the lens, to give the wearer’s eyes greater clarity and comfort when focusing up-close for extended periods of time. This accommodative relief in the near vision provides wearers with greater comfort than standard vision correction.

Essilor Computer lenses are recommended for any presbyope experienceing symptoms of visiual fatigue and are intended to be prescribed as a second pair to complement the wearer’s primary pair of progressive lenses. Essilor Computer lenses offer clear vision at full distance due to the fact that they have a larger intermediate area which can create a more relaxed, comfortable visual experience, with no head tipping required to find the correct intermediate power. This benefit applies to computer use as well as other intermediate or near-viewing tasks, such as reading, sewing, woodworking, cooking and auto repair.

For further information, schedule an appointment, or to purchase eyewear please call or visit any of our three Rochester, NY Cornerstone Eye Associates locations in Gates (585-328-0153), Brighton (585-244-2200) or Irondeqouit (585-266-7880).

Cornerstone Eye Associates - your VISION for LIFE

There is, more often than not, a distinct difference between an eyeglass and a contact lens prescription. Moreover, considering that a contact lens is placed directly on the eye it will most likely need to have its power adjusted accordingly. This is more evident in moderate to higher prescriptions. In addition, the actual fitting parameters need to be documented. Here is a sample contact lens prescription:

O.D. -2.00 8.6 14.0 Brand
O.S. -1.50 8.6 14.0 Brand

Letters and Numbers - The first thing we see are the initials O.D. (Ocular Dexter) for the right eye and O.S. (Ocular Sinister) for the left eye. Next we see -2.00 and -1.50 which represents the power of a lenses. Some people with slightly higher prescriptions may notice that there is a power variance between their spectacle prescription and contact prescription. This is to compensate for something called vertex distance. The closer or further a lens is moved the more the power will change. In the case of an individual with a plus or magnifying lens the closer the lens is moved toward the eye the weaker it will become. This individual may require a little more power for their contact lens prescription. In the case of a person who wears a minus or minifying lens the closer the lens is to the eye the stronger it will become so the wearer would need a little less power.

Additional Parameters - After the lens power we come to the lens base curve. With contact lenses, the base curve is the curve of the back surface of the lens within the optical zone of the lens. Contact lens base curves are designated in millimeters (e.g. 8.3mm, 8.6mm, 8.8mm). This number is the measurement of the radius of curvature in millimeters of the inside curve. The doctor tries to match the lens curvature to the patient’s cornea. Furthermore, because of their flexible nature soft lenses tend to fit more corneas with a smaller number of base curves. Rigid contact lenses on the other hand need to have a more accurate fit because of their rigid nature a lens that is too steep or too flat may cause discomfort.

After the base curve we come to the lenses diameter in millimeters. Like base curves soft lenses come in a limited amount of diameters due to their rather forgiving nature when it comes to fitting. Again like base curves the doctor will be more precise in specifying the diameter of a rigid contact lens.

Contact Lens Brand(s) - Lastly we have the brand of contact lens. The doctor chooses which lens is best for you based on several factors including: tear quality and quantity, intended wearing schedule, work and hobby conditions and specific vision requirements. The lens that has been chosen by your doctor meets your particular individual requirements.

For further information or to book an appointment please call any of our three Rochester, NY Cornerstone Eye Associates locations in gates (585-328-0153), Brighton (585-244-2200) or Irondeqouit (585-266-7880).

Cornerstone Eye Associates - your VISION for LIFE

When working at the computer the eyes are required to maintain focus and alignment at a fixed distance in many cases, for long periods of time. Oftentimes this can result in one or more of the following symptoms: blurred vision, headaches, pulling sensations of the eye muscles, double vision, sleepiness, generalized fatigue, and a potentially reduced comprehension and efficiency of function. Moreover, glare from computer screens is also a very common problem. Additionally, it has been found that blink rates are reduced while an idividual is involved in prolonged near vision tasks such as computer use and can result in complaints of the gritty, sandy, burning symptoms associated with very dry eyes.

Specific lens prescriptions and designs have been developed to reduce the demands on your eyes during computer use. These lenses are prescribed to function at the distance that you sit from your computer, which is typically different than your normal reading distance, thus allowing you to work more efficiently and with far greater comfort.

For further information, schedule an appointment, or to purchase eyewear please call or visit any of our three Rochester, NY Cornerstone Eye Associates locations in gates (585-328-0153), Brighton (585-244-2200) or Irondeqouit (585-266-7880).

Cornerstone Eye Associates - your VISION for LIFE

Biomedics EP multifocal contact lenses for emerging presbyopes are now called Proclear EP, says manufacturer CooperVision. The company changed the name to emphasize that the same PC Hydrogel lens material that is used in its other Proclear contact lenses is also used in Proclear EP. This lens material is the only one that is FDA-approved to improve comfort for people who normally experience eye dryness during contact lens wear. Proclear EP is meant for people who are in the early stages of presbyopia, providing up to +1.25 diopters of near vision correction. For further information or to book an appointment please call any of our three Rochester, NY Cornerstone Eye Associates locations in gates (585-328-0153), Brighton (585-244-2200) or Irondeqouit (585-266-7880).

Cornerstone Eye Associates - your VISION for LIFE

Here are more things to consider when purchasing eyeglasses for children:

5. Spring Hinges - A nice feature to look for is temples with spring hinges. These special hinges allow the temples to flex outward, away from the frames, without causing any damage. Moreover, spring hinges can help prevent the need for frequent adjustments and costly repairs.

6. Lens Material - Children’s eyeglass lenses should be made of polycarbonate or Trivex, because they are the most impact-resistant material around. In addition to being the safest materials, they also are lighter in weight than regular plastic lenses, a nice advantage for strong prescriptions. Polycarbonate and Trivex have built-in protection against potentially damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays, and the lenses are more scratch-resistant than regular plastic.

7. Sports Eyewear - Although polycarbonate is the lens material used for sports eyewear, regular eyeglass frames do not provide enough protection from large objects such as balls and flying elbows. So if your kid is involved in sports, a proper sports goggle with polycarbonate lenses will provide the most protection against eye injury. Although it sounds counter-intuitive, a sports goggle should have a larger vertical eye opening, rather than a smaller one. If an impact should occur and the goggles are pushed toward the face, a large eye opening keeps the impact points far above and far below the eyes.

8. Warranties - Cornerstone Eye Associates offers an optional $35 “no fault warranty” plan that will replace eyewear at 50% off regular retail pricing in case of lost or stolen glasses. Consider opting for the warranty, especially if your child is a first-time wearer.

9. Backup Pair - If your child’s poor vision causes difficulty functioning without glasses, you may want to purchase a backup pair of glasses, in case something happens to the primary pair. Prescription sunglassses can double nicely as a spare pair of glasses.

For further information or to book an appointment please call any of our three Rochester, NY Cornerstone Eye Associates locations in gates (585-328-0153), Brighton (585-244-2200) or Irondeqouit (585-266-7880).

Cornerstone Eye Associates - your VISION for LIFE

CooperVision has announced that their Avaira contact lenses are now available in a toric design. These lenses offer consistent comfort due to CooperVision’s own Aquaform Comfort Science which retains water within the lens, minimizing dehydration as well as allowing high levels of oxygen permeability. The new Avaira Toric lenses provide the wearer with exceptional stability, vision and comfort. For further information or to book an appointment please call any of our three Rochester, NY Cornerstone Eye Associates locations in gates (585-328-0153), Brighton (585-244-2200) or Irondeqouit (585-266-7880).

Cornerstone Eye Associates - your VISION for LIFE

Here are things to consider when purchasing eyeglasses for children:

1. Lens Thickness - The primary consideration in choosing glasses is always the prescription. If the prescription calls for strong lenses that are likely to be thick, it is important to keep the frames as small as possible to reduce the final lens thickness.

2. Frame Choice - Children can be made to feel more comfortable about wearing glasses when they are allowed to play a large part in choosing their own frames. Try to keep in mind that the real object is to get your child to wear the glasses. Extra enticement can be found in cool features like transitions lenses with tints that darken outdoors, which may help inspire the child to want to wear his/her glasses.

3. Plastic Vs. Metal - Children’s frames are made of either plastic or metal. Many manufacturers copy adult styles for children’s frames and kids may be attracted to these styles because they are more grown-up looking.

4. Proper Bridge Fit - One of the toughest parts about choosing suitable frames for kids is that their noses are not fully developed, so they don’t have a bridge to prevent plastic frames from sliding down (manufacturers recognize this difficulty with plastic frames and make their bridges to fit small noses). Metal frames, however, are usually made with adjustable nose pads, so they fit everyone’s bridge. It is important that the glasses stay in place, because kids tend to look right over the tops of the lenses instead of pushing slipping glasses back up where they belong.

For further information or to book an appointment please call any of our three Rochester, NY Cornerstone Eye Associates locations in gates (585-328-0153), Brighton (585-244-2200) or Irondeqouit (585-266-7880).

Cornerstone Eye Associates - your VISION for LIFE

SynergEyes has introduced the newest addition to their hybrid contact lens family–the ClearKone lens for keratoconus and other corneal irregularities. The ClearKone lens is a new option for keratoconus patients who may benefit from a hybrid CL but cannot successfully wear the other SynergEyes lens designs. For further information or to book an appointment please call any of our three Rochester, NY Cornerstone Eye Associates locations in gates (585-328-0153), Brighton (585-244-2200) or Irondeqouit (585-266-7880).

Cornerstone Eye Associates - your VISION for LIFE

Glare is defined as a visual condition in which the observer feels either discomfort and/or exhibits a lower performance in visual tests (e.g. visual acuity or contrast sensitivity). This is produced by a relatively bright source of light–called the glare source–within the visual field. A given bright light may or may not produce glare depending upon the location and intensity of the light source, the background luminance, the state of adaptation of the eye or the clarity of the media of the eye. Although the term “glare” is used many times in a general sense, there are actually four different types of glare. The fourth type of glare is Distracting Glare. Distracting Glare is primarily an annoyance created by light reflecting off the surface of a lens, or internally reflecting within a spectacle lens. This kind of glare may cause eye fatigue, annoyance and distraction. It is also experienced at night around headlights or street lights. An anti-reflective treatment is the solution for this problem.

For further information or to book an appointment please call any of our three Rochester, NY Cornerstone Eye Associates locations in gates (585-328-0153), Brighton (585-244-2200) or Irondeqouit (585-266-7880).

Cornerstone Eye Associates - your VISION for LIFE